Watch Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As a Fairy Tale

Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As a Fairy Tale is a 2003 Hallmark film that tells the story of the famous Danish author and poet, Hans Christian Andersen. The film stars Kieran Bew as Andersen and Emily Hamilton as the young girl who inspires some of his most famous stories.

The movie is framed as an older Andersen looking back on his life, with flashbacks to key moments from his childhood, young adulthood, and later years. Viewers see Andersen as a lonely boy who dreams of escaping his poverty-filled life, and as a young man who struggles to find his place in society as an aspiring writer.

One of the film's major plot points revolves around Andersen's relationship with a young girl named Jenny Lind, portrayed by Flora Montgomery. Lind, who in real life was a famous soprano singer and close friend of Andersen's, is depicted in the movie as the inspiration behind several of his most popular fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Nightingale."

As Andersen rises to fame as a writer, he becomes increasingly complex and conflicted. He is egotistical and prone to jealousy, but also deeply compassionate and empathetic. Viewers see him struggling with loneliness and rejection, as well as grappling with his own personal demons.

One of the strengths of the film is its portrayal of Andersen's beloved fairy tales. The movie manages to blend scenes from Andersen's real life with fantastical moments from his stories, creating a sort of magical realist atmosphere. Some of the most memorable moments from the film include an underwater scene from "The Little Mermaid," a moving performance of "The Ugly Duckling" that reflects on Andersen's own upbringing, and a glimpse of the enigmatic Snow Queen.

The film also does a good job of exploring Andersen's relationships with the people around him. In addition to his friendship with Lind, the movie depicts Andersen's complicated relationship with his mother, who is initially supportive of his dreams but later clashes with him over his ambitions. There are also poignant scenes depicting Andersen's friendship with a fellow writer, who supports and encourages him even as he struggles with his own demons.

Overall, Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As a Fairy Tale is a captivating and entertaining film that offers a unique and engaging look at one of the most beloved writers in history. Through its blend of fact and fiction, the movie manages to capture the essence of Andersen's life and work, while also providing plenty of fairy tale-inspired magic and whimsy. Whether you're a fan of the real-life Andersen or simply enjoy a good story, this film is well worth a watch.

Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As a Fairy Tale is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between September 8, 2002 and on Hallmark